Department of Philosophy and Religion 1 Department of Philosophy and Religion Philosophy Major (PR) Departmental Office: 1020 George Hall http://www.philosophyandreligion.msstate.edu Major Advisor/Undergraduate Program Coordinator for Philosophy: Barton Moffatt Office: 2140 George Hall Major Advisor/Undergraduate Program Coordinator for Religion: Joseph Witt Office: 2180 George Hall Philosophy is the study of the basic concepts—such as reality, truth, and goodness—which underlie the more specialized pursuits of science, art, education, religion, etc. Although students often study philosophy for its own sake, the general perspective it provides, and the critical thinking skills it develops, are of immense practical value in any profession. The baccalaureate degree in philosophy is the accepted major for those planning to enter graduate school in philosophy. It is, however, an excellent pre- law and pre-seminary degree and, because of its general nature, philosophy is highly appropriate as a double major with any other concentrated field of study. The standard program leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy has a major requirement of 30 hours, including Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Logic, Introduction to Ethics, History of Western Philosophy parts I and II, and Seminar in Philosophy. The final 12 hours, including six that must be PHI courses, are to be selected in consultation with, and with approval by, the major advisor. The department also offers a minor in philosophy, with the requirements being 15 hours of PHI courses. Students considering either a major or minor in philosophy should meet with one of the department’s advisors as early in their careers as possible. General Education and College Requirements English Composition EN 1103 English Composition I 3 or EN 1163 Accelerated Composition I EN 1113 English Composition II 3 or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II Foreign Language 3 semesters - one Foreign Language - see advisor 9 Humanities Literature - see University/A&S Core 3 History - see University/A&S Core 3 Philosophy Elective - see major 3 Humanities Elective - see major. Must be from 2 different areas- see A&S Core 9 Math MA 1313 College Algebra 3 MA 1323 Trigonometry 3 or ST 2113 Introduction to Statistics Fine Arts See University/A&S Requirements 3 Natural Sciences Physical Sciences w/lab (CH, GG, PH) 1 3-4 Biological Sciences w/lab (BIO, EPP, PO) 1 3-4 Natural Science Elective 2 3-4 Social Sciences 3 See A&S requirements 6 Social Sciences Electives 12 Major Core PHI 1103 Introduction to Philosophy 3 2 Department of Philosophy and Religion PHI 1113 Introduction to Logic 3 PHI 1123 Introduction to Ethics 3 PHI 3023 History of Western Philosophy I 3 PHI 3033 History of Western Philosophy II 3 PHI Electives 12 Oral Communication Requirement CO 1003 Fundamentals of Public Speaking 3 or CO 1013 Introduction to Communication Writing Requirement PHI 3133 Seminar in Philosophy 3 Computer Literacy Choose one of the following: 3 TKT 1273 BIS 1012 Introduction to Business Information Systems CSE 1233 Computer Programming with C CSE 1273 Computer Programming with Java General Electives Consult advisor 19 Total Hours 124 (31 hours must be 3000/4000 from A&S) 1 See University/A&S Core. 2 Consult advisor. 3 Must be from 2 different areas and must cross 4 disciplines over the 18 hours. Only one Economics allowed. See advisor. Religion Concentration (REL) Program Coordinator and Advisor: Joseph Witt Office: 2180 George Hall Religion refers to the basic human impulse to seek coherence in life, and to experience a sacred reality that guides and orders human existence. As an academic discipline the study of religion involves consideration of those writings, customs, and rituals that have historically served to form and distinguish religious groups. It includes examination of primitive religions and sectarian developments as well as study of the major world religions of both the east and west. The Department of Philosophy and Religion offers a concentration in religion leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy. This degree is an accepted major for graduate school, or for a career in a professional ministry or teaching. The broad historical and cultural orientation of the philosophy degree with a religion concentration makes it an excellent preparation for any career. It is highly appropriate as a double major, or as a minor in association with another field of study. The major with the concentration in religion has a requirement of 30 hours. Of these, nine hours are required in philosophy. The philosophy component may be satisfied by taking either a) Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Logic, and the Seminar in Philosophy, or b) History of Western Philosophy I and II, and the Seminar in Philosophy. The remaining 21 hours must include Introduction to Religion, World Religions I and II, six hours of REL courses, and six hours of REL or PHI courses which are to be selected in consultation with, approved by, the Religion advisor. The Department also offers a minor in Religion, with the requirement being 15 hours of any REL courses. General Education and College Requirements See Philosophy Requirements above Concentration Core REL 1103 Introduction to Religion 3 REL 3213 World Religions I 3 REL 3223 World Religions II 3 Choose one of the following combinations: 6 PHI 1103 & PHI 1113 Introduction to Philosophy and Introduction to Logic Department of Philosophy and Religion 3 PHI 3023 & PHI 3033 History of Western Philosophy I and History of Western Philosophy II Electives REL/PHI Electives 12 Oral Communication Requirement CO 1003 Fundamentals of Public Speaking 3 Writing Requirement PHI 3133 Seminar in Philosophy 3 Computer Literacy Choose one of the following: 3 TKT 1273 BIS 1012 Introduction to Business Information Systems CSE 1233 Computer Programming with C CSE 1273 Computer Programming with Java General Electives Consult advisor 19 Total Hours 124 (31 hours must be 3000/4000 level from A&S)